TCO optimised dust extraction solution in a medical laboratory
Camfil´s Gold Series dust collector allows French life science company significant savings on energy costs and to safely handle ST1 explosive dust from carding process of alginate fibers.
Customer(s)
- Manufacturer of medical compresses
Products
Country
- France
Key achievements
Compliance with ATEX directives
Reduced system energy consumption
Additional savings due to air recirculation
Solution
For the customer´s new production line Camfil offered it´s modular and industry proven Gold Series dry dust collector, fully ATEX-compliant and ready for air recirculation. The solution contains the following:
- Gold Series GS16 dust collector equipped with HemiPleat filter cartridges.
- To safely handle explosive ST1 dust, the unit is configured with an explosion vent panel, a passive explosion isolation valve and an ISMF Integrated Safety Monitoring Filter.
- The integrated ISMF H13 HEPA filter prevents collected dust from re-entering the workspace if there should be a leak in the primary filters but also acts as an independently tested and ATEX-certified flame barrier.
- This installation not only treats the dust effectively, but also allows to return the cleaned process air back into the production room via textile diffusion ducts.
- The unit operates with an energy efficient VSD inverter in order to always provide a constant air volume.
Process overview
To increase his production capacities, the customer put a new manufacturing line into operation which included a carding process for raw materials needed to manufacture medical compresses.
Therefore he was looking for a fully ATEX-compliant and more energy efficient dust extraction solution compared to the ones he operates on his other existing production lines. Especially the integrated ISMF filter allowing air recirculation was a key requirement of the customer.
Challenges
Extraction of light organic dust from carding processes.
The dust is explosive and the dust collection system had to be suitable to handle ST1 dust to be compliant with current ATEX regulations.
The extraction system should allow recirculation of the cleaned process air in order to reduce energy costs.
Product
- ProductGold Series
- ModelGS16
- Air volumeup to 15,000 m³/h
- Filter offeringHemiPleat filter cartridges
- AccessoriesExplosion vent, passive explosion isolation valve, ISMF Integrated Safety Monitoring Filter, Variable Speed Drive inverter
- ApplicationCarding process of alginate fibers
- Installation dateNovember 2023
Proof
Results
- ATEX complianceWith the new dust collection system in place, the customer meets all local regulations required for safe handling of explosive dusts and therefore increased operator safety by mitigating explosion risks.
- Air recirculationThanks to Camfil´s sophisticated solution, now the conditioned and cleaned process air can be recirculated into the workspace with very little heat loss as all external ductwork is insulated. Expected savings per annual: 10,432 EUR.
- Energy consumptionThe VSD-controlled fan provides the optimal airflow depending on process conditions which in turn reduces system energy consumption and extends filter lifetime. Estimated savings per annual: 4,771 EUR.
- MaintenanceThe installed maintenance platform provides safe and easy access to the filter chamber. Large service doors and tool-free removal of filter cartridges reduces maintenance downtime.
